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 Reporter |
Summary: The yellow-blazed Laurel Highland Hiking Trail covers 70 miles from Ohiopyle State Park north to Seward. This review covers the 6.6 mile section between the Grindle Ridge Shelter Area and PA Route 31. This section of trail cuts right through the slopes of the Seven Springs Ski Resort. Once the snows are gone, so too are the people and you have the slopes all to yourself. And it's not called Seven Springs for nothing. There are two springs near the trail, one of which burbles out of the ground an arms-length off the trail. The resort uses the springs to fuel their snow making machines during the ski season but you can use them to replenish your water supply as it can get hot on the exposed slopes. Just North of the Grindle Ridge Shelters where the trail crosses Blue Hole Creek is an excelent place to sit on a rock and soak your feet in the crisp waters. Even in the summer the water is probably too cold to imerse more than that. Trailhead: To travel this section of trail you would park at the Route 31 Trailhead (N40 3.994 W79 16.321) and travel South. You could park just off of 31 if you were traveling North towards the shelters but if you travel half a mile back to the "official" trailhead (N40 3.597 W79 16.409) there is a water pump and trail sign-in boxes.From here, you also have a view of the firetower that you will pass near to another half mile down the trail. There is no trail access near the Grindle Ridge and it is the furthest off the trail of any of the shelters areas, adding a third of a mile to the trek. Water from the shelter pumps are tested clean but often have some rust content, discoloring the water and making it taste funny. (Lat:40.06657 Lon:-79.27202) Trail Guides for LHHT-Grindle Ridge to Rt. 31: Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Summer, User Groups: Hikers, Ranger Contact: Laurel Ridge State Park Office 724-455-3744 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Kevin Geiselman, who has posted 96 other hikes on this site. To visit this reporters web site, click here. Trail Reviews Submit your own review Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Pennsylvania Hiking, Pennsylvania Trails, Pennsylvania Hikes, Westmoreland County Hiking, Westmoreland County Trails, Westmoreland County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
